Shimla vs. Kulu Manali In India

Difference Between Shimla and Kulu Manali In India

Shimla and Kulu Manali are two very popular hill stations in northern India in the state of Himachal Pradesh and lie at the foothills of Himalayas. These two hill stations are about 250 kilometers far from each other and are easily accessible from Chandigarh and New Delhi. Shimla is 365 KM from Delhi while 115 KM from Chandigarh.

Manali is at a height of 150 meters and lies in north of Kulu valley. Kulu and Manali are known as twin cities.

Shimla and Kulu Manali freeze in winters while they have pleasant climate in summers. Kulu Manali experience extremely low temperatures and heavy snowfall in winters while Shimla is comparatively milder and the temperatures range between 4 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Shimla got its name after a Hindu goddess Shymla Devi while Manali is named after Sage Manu who lived there.

If you are planning to go to Shimla then some of the places of interest can be Christ Church, Jakhu Hills, Shimla State Museum, Annandale, Tara Devi, Sankat Mochan, Junga, Mashobra, Kufri (winter sports capital) and Naldehra (Golf Club).

Christ church is situated on ridge and has a very majestic structure while Jakhu Hills can be visited for the great view that they offer. Shimla State Museum was established in 1974 to preserve and showcase the pahari culture to the visitors from the all over the country and world. Summer hill is another small and beautiful township which is just 5 kilometers from the Shimla-kalka railway line. Shimla University is also situated here.

Kulu Manali is closer to the Himalayas and snow clad mountains can be experienced very closely here. You can also enjoy adventure sports like hiking, mountaineering, trekking, skiing etc. It is also known for Yak sports and it got its mention in the Time Magazine as well.

Places of interest in Kulu Manali are Naggar Fort, Hidimba Temple, Rahla Waterfalls, Manikaran and Rohtang. There are many other Hindu temples, Buddist shrines and natural hot water springs and all these places are visited by a large number of tourists every year. Kulu Manali is the one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners.

Rohtang is 40 kms from here and 13000 ft above the sea level and Rahla waterfalls are located at foothills of Rohtang Pass. Manikaran is between Kulu and Manali and you can visit it for the hot springs. Naggar Fort is a beautiful example of ancient architecture and is made of rocks, stones and wood. Hidimba temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhim who was a Pandav Prince. This temple was built n 1953.

Some of the differences between Shimla and Kulu Manali are given below:

Shimla is capital of Himachal Pradesh is more developed while Kulu Manali is still closer to nature and hold the beauty of nature in raw form.